Discovering the Secrets of a Murderer

Chapter 12

Amelia walked towards the window to watch Doctor Alexander thread up the path to her shelter while the rain is pouring hard. His coat was already drenched and he tries to keep his bag dry by putting it inside his coat and hugging it.

“Blast it!” She heard him exclaimed when he suddenly slipped, ungraciously.

He fell on a puddle of water but he immediately stood up and continued his way. Ed—the one guarding at that time—did not help him. The man does not want to get wet as well. It’s hard enough that he had to keep on guard outside despite the cold weather.

“Good morning, Doctor,” Ed greeted Alexander.

Amelia moved to another window where she can see and hear them more despite the aggressive downpour.

“This rain is such a pain.”

“It is, Doctor,” the guard agreed. “The household did not give you an umbrella?”

“I went straight here because I am already late,” Alexander said, frustrated.

Ed nodded. “Well, I won’t keep you long, Doctor. Miss Amelia’s waiting for you inside already.”

“Is there any chance that you have spare clothing?”

“I’m afraid I have none here. It’s on our quarters.”

Alexander looked down at his clothes and involuntarily shivered. “I just hope my papers are not as drenched as I am.”

“Miss Amelia may have something for you. A blanket or a coat,” the guard said then started to open the door using his keys.

“Thank you, Ed.”

“My pleasure, Doctor.”

Amelia moved away from the window and waited for Alexander to get inside. “Good morning, Doctor.”

“Good morning, Miss. This rain is very unfortunate and unexpected.”

“Take a seat. I’ll fetch you something to drink and a blanket,” she said then walked out.

Alexander saw a teapot already set on the table. There is still smoke from the pot’s mouth and he felt an urging to have a sip of it.

Amelia came back with a blanket on hand. She laid it on her arm and grabbed the tray from the table as well. He stayed there, standing, watching her slowly making her way towards him.

She never changes her gown or mayhap she has the same color for every gown she owns. It is always black as if she is mourning every day. 

“The tea is still hot. Lea brought it just before the rain.”

As Amelia prepared his tea on a cup, he went nearer to the fire when he felt the water started to seep inside his clothing. So as not to damage the furniture, he kneeled down by the fire and stayed there for a good minute. He cannot control his shiver anymore.

“You can take off your coat. I wouldn’t mind.”

Alexander turned his head to look at the woman who is watching his predicament. “That would be very inappropriate, Miss.”

“We have long passed the proprieties, Doctor.”

He shook his head. “I am not trying to protect my decency but yours. Please understand.”

Amelia sat down on her chair, leaving the blanket on Alexander’s chair. They shared a brief silence for a moment until Alexander broke it with three consecutive coughs. Amelia did not comment. She already had her attention on sewing.

“Let’s continue where we left off, shall we?” Alexander spoke as he wrapped himself on the blanket before sitting and grabbing his bag. “Thank heavens,” he said as he saw the papers still dry.

“Drink your tea first, Doctor, before it turns cold.”

“Yes, thank you.” He took a sip and immediately felt the hot liquid soothe his shivering body. “What happened after the ball? You’re finally free at that time. How did you cope up?”

Amelia shook her head. “I wasn’t entirely free. I still have to ask for my father’s permission and take Jane and my governess with me if I were to go out.”

“May I ask who they are? You haven’t told me them yet.”

“Jane is my abigail. She’s been with me since I was a child.”

“And the governess?”

“Miss Pia. She’s my first governess. She has been there ever since my mother was still alive.”

Alexander wrote those down. “These women. Do you treat them as your confidant? They’ve been with you since you were a child, you said.”

Amelia did not reply. She sewed with utter eagerness and Alexander thought that it was a question she does not wish to answer. He wrote the question on his notes and encircled it. He would get back to it one of these days.

“Miss Pia was dismissed weeks after my coming out,” Amelia suddenly spoke.

Alexander did not get to say anything immediately because of the cough he had to let out. “Excuse me,” he said. “Your governess was dismissed why?”

“She was caught humping a stable lad,” she bluntly said and Alexander looked away from her, clearly bothered with what she said. “They were both dismissed as a consequence and without any referral.”

Alexander coughed again. “You did not stop your father? For what is worth, she’s been your governess for years.”

“I was there when my father talked to them. He wants me to see how my governess ruined herself. But I did not do anything. I just watched them talk while Miss Pia and her lover is naked. My father ordered for them to stay undressed because as he said, they already lacked decorum when they decided to sleep together,” she stated. “Besides, when my father asked her if she was forced and that he will help her get the boy arrested and punished, she said the most stupid thing ever.”

Grabbing his teacup, Alexander asked, “What did she say?”

“She said that she loves him and they will not be manipulated by my father.”

He nodded. “What of those do you think is stupid? Love or being manipulated by your father.”

“Love, of course,” she said simply.

“You don’t believe in love, Miss?”

“I believe in it but I will not be persuaded by it to a certain extent of ruination.”

“How about the manipulation of your father? Do you think he is a controlling man?”

Amelia nodded. “That’s what he is.”

"How do you say so?"

"He always gets what he wants. He does not stop until he gets it. And if possible, he would use someone to do it."

"And has he ever used you to achieve whatever it is he wanted to have?"

"Always," she lowly said. 

~~~~~~~

Alexander woke up with a pounding head and a cough that is non-stop. His vision is spinning and his whole body is radiating too much heat. Yesterday was a quick session with him and Amelia. They had to cut it short because the priest came for Amelia’s monthly confession. 

It was in favor of him because he was starting to feel sick. Besides, he also wants to rest and change on a new set of clothes. So he went straight to his lodgings and slept. However, this raging headache is what would greet him once he woke up. He reached out for a paper and pen then started writing for Sir Thomas Ruccie.

Sir,

I’m afraid I cannot follow my daily session with Miss Amelia for I am enduring a high fever caused by the rain yesterday. I shall be back once my health has been restored. Rest assured that I will make up for my absence/s.

-Alexander

He barely wrote the words but he managed. He rang the bell and his landlord came not a moment longer.

“Doctor, my, you look dreadful," the man greeted.

“Do take this on the address written by the envelope,” he said and gave him coins for his trouble.

“Sir Thomas Ruccie," the man read. "You have a very powerful friend, Doctor.”

“He is not my friend,” he said as he walked back to bed. “I would also be very grateful if you make me some soup first before you go.”

“Certainly, Doctor. I’ll be right back.”

He did not know if the man really came back for he dozed off yet again and woken up at midnight. There was no food on his table but there is a letter enclosed on a thick envelope. He rang the bell first before he read to whom the letter came from. 

The handwriting was feminine and he had to guess who it came from. He is not one that keeps a ladyfriend. He is too busy to have any relationships. 

Doctor, 

I have expected you to be sick. The rain yesterday is not very forgiving. I will be occupied with my sewing so there is no need for you to bother and just think of recuperating. I hope for your fast recuperation.

—Amelia

He was shocked to receive a letter from her. He least expected it, considering that the letter he sent was supposed to be for Sir Thomas Ruccie. However, it is nice to hear from Amelia herself. He reached for his pen and paper and wrote a letter back.

Miss Amelia,

It is very unfortunate- this sickness. However, I will try my best to get back to you soon

He paused and crossed out the last five words.

I will try my best to return as soon as possible.

He then heard a knock on his door. “Doctor,” the landlord called.

“It’s open.”

“I know it is, Doctor, but I’m afraid I cannot enter. I am scared of getting sick for healers around here are not always available.”

“Then leave food and water by the door, Sir, I haven’t eaten yet!” He stood up slowly. “Send this back to the house as well.” He pushed the letter below the door and some few coins.

“I will, Doctor. I’ll prepare your meal in a jiffy.”

The next day was worst. He already told his landlord to call for a physician but as the man had said, healers are hard to locate, more so the physicians that charge thrice than the other one.

He can’t move even a bit. He was all covered with a blanket and his body is covered with sweat yet he is still shivering. This fever is not just caused by the rain but also by the lack of sleep and too little eating. The rain only triggered it and it took a toll on him like a raging fire.

No one dared to get inside the room and tend to him. Despite the fever, he cannot help but feel pissed with the landlord's lack of sympathy. 

More and more hour has passed, he was starting to get delirious. He began to hear and see things. Different forms and shapes, a buzz and whispers on his ears. He wrapped himself tight and hoped for it to pass and end. 

Then, as if his wish was granted, it all suddenly went silent.

“Doctor,” someone called.

He frowned as he slowly opens his eyes. His vision was blurry at first but even when he cannot see clearly, he knew that voice.

“Drink this.”

He parted his mouth when he felt a cold touch on his chin. Then he felt a hot liquid passed on his lips and down to his throat.

“I told you I had expected you to be like this.”

Slowly, his vision cleared and he was shocked by what he saw.

It was Amelia.

Her familiar stoic face, her dark clothes, and tight pinned-up coiffure. It is her, holding a bowl and spoon. She was feeding him. There’s little light in the room and he doesn’t know if what he is seeing is actually happening. If yes, why is she here?

“Finish this soup and we have to change your clothes. You’re sweating profusely.”

She helped him raise himself by leaning on the headboard. He watched her feed him. Taking a spoonful of soup one at a time. 

After he was done, she stood up and walked out of the room, taking the dishes away. She went back with a basin of water and a towel. 

"Excuse me," she said as she started to unbutton his shirt.

He frowned even more and groaned as she has completely removed the damp clothing. Proprieties were thrown out of the window, now that she has seen his half-naked. She started to gently wipe his arm. The cold water against his burning skin. She reached for his head as he wiped his neck, focused. He still wasn't sure though if this is real. 

Her eyes looked back at him. Those grey eyes that speak of nothing but coldness as if blocking whoever wants to get close to her.

"Why are you here?" he managed.

"Rest," she said and, unexpectedly, kissed his forehead.

She rummaged through his things and eventually found a shirt. Alexander was still dizzy and he had to repeatedly shut and open his eyes or he will doze off again. He felt her hands move fast as she puts the shirt on his head and through his arms. She helped her back to bed and he was breathing heavily as he gazed up at her.

“Thank you.” He reached up to her.

She merely stared with those eyes that witnessed deep secrets. She did not accept his warm approach.

~~~~~~~

He suddenly woke up with a start, jumping on his bed with his heart beating erratically. He looked around the room, searching for the woman. But there was no sign or anything of her. The room was in the same state- a complete utter mess. His papers were everywhere, disorganized because of the blowing wind entering from the open window.

Looking down at his clothing, he found out that he was actually naked. His soiled clothes were discarded on the bottom of the bed. 

He gulped and realized that he had a dream. And a dream with Amelia on it, for that matter.

#DTSOAM